Is it normal to still have post travel depression?

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10 Comments

About a year ago (last July), I went to Australia to volunteer with a bunch of other students from all over North America. I had the time of my life there and met really great people and also learned so much about myself. It was only 4 weeks, and once it was over, I felt pretty depressed and just missed everything about it. I still feel the same way to this day. I think about it basically every day and how I'll probably never experience something like that again. I constantly re-live the memories in my mind and miss being there so much. I just felt very happy and free to be myself there. Since then, I want to do so much more with my life and explore the world. I know I should see it as "don't frown because it's over, smile because it happened", but I can't help feeling this nostalgia all the time. is it normal to still feel like this? Any advice?

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  • [Old Memory]
    11 years ago | pl

    Hmmm...nostrily speaking it sounds more like post nasal depression.

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  • blaster
    11 years ago | pl

    Yeah it is normal, so much to do with what CK said too but other times it's just the place and times you had. Stays with ya when you get back to the real world. I'm hopeless at it bc I traveled a lot for a few yrs. I wish I could turn back and take my time this time with the moving on decisions I made bc I miss some spots so much and as it turned out they would've suited me much better than here, Stuck with a new mortgage and all the trappings now tho, can't do much else for at least a few yrs.
    The grass is always greener , shoulda been a gipsy.

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  • DieselEstate
    11 years ago | pl

    You're incredibly advantaged, living in the USA. Most people around the world will never have the opportunity to travel in such a carefree way. Have you thought about joining the Peace Corps? As far as I know, it's only open to Americans but, you do get to travel the world. You may have to work towards it to qualify. Feeling the way you do, surely that may be the most worthwhile work you're ever likely to do. I wish you every success.

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  • [Old Memory]
    11 years ago | pl

    Volunteer to do what?

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago | pl

      wildlife conservation =)

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      • [Old Memory]
        11 years ago | pl

        Ah that's cool.

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  • Captain_Kegstand
    11 years ago | pl

    Yup, I think what you are feeling is to be expected after any long travels. When you travel there is so much detachment from the real world, and bills, and stress. I think we have all been there!

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  • flax
    11 years ago | pl

    I had the same thing 11 yrs ago. I went on a temporary work visa as a uni student and was working, living and paying taxes like a regular American. I miss it to this day - of course, I will always love Australia because life is much simpler and laid back, but I really do miss my friends and family in the US. Chicago reminded me so much of Melbourne I felt at home straight away!

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  • missy18
    11 years ago | pl

    Well, go back! Make it happen! :)

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  • DannyKanes
    11 years ago | pl

    Omg, this is exactly the same with me and America! Want to trade places? You can come to Australia and I'll go live in America. I still look at photos of New York and Vegas and man I get so depressed and want to go back there so badly, and it's only been seven months or so since I got back to Australia

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